Van Gaal has sanctioned the move for Romero, who played for him when he managed AZ Alkmaar and is out of contract after leaving Sampdoria last month, after identifying him as the keeper to replace current No2 Victor Valdes.

Football Insider understands that Romero has agreed the terms of a three-year contract worth £45,000-a-week.

Romero is set to replace Valdes at Old Trafford as the Spanish goalkeeper looks for a new club following his dramatic fall-out with the club.

Van Gaal has told Valdes to find a new club after he refused to play for United’s Under-21s last season. The former Barcelona No1 is understood to have offers from MLS clubs and is set to move to the US.

This will create a new space in the United squad, which will be filled by Romero, who will challenge for the No1 spot with either David De Gea or his replacement if the Spain international completes a move to Real Madrid, which is still expected.